Those grappling with terminal illnesses often deal with profound emotional distress such as depression, anxiety, existential crises, and a loss of sense of purpose, which only compounds the complexity of their situation.
Although current interventions, such as counselling or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can provide relief, they may not be effective for all. This has prompted researchers to investigate new, creative strategies for end-of-life care.
An escalating volume of research indicates that psychedelic therapy may prove to be a promising approach to addressing existential anguish among patients with terminal conditions. According to a review in Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry, psychedelics have the potential to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve life quality, and diminish fears associated with death among patients suffering from life-threatening diseases.
In an effort to further evaluate the efficacy of psilocybin mushrooms, Canadians frequently buy shrooms online for research purposes.
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Psilocybin’s Impact on the Brain
The National Institutes of Health characterize psychedelics derived from mushrooms as powerful agents that can alter cognition. They affect mood and perception by manipulating the brain’s serotonin circuits.
Let’s delve into what various studies disclose:
| Research Teams | Discoveries |
| Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas | Psychedelics like psilocybin interact with serotonin 2A receptors that regulate emotions and perception. |
| An investigation by Mental Health News | Psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic compound found in over 200 species of fungi, may restructure the brains of individuals afflicted with depression, potentially paving the way for a cure. |
| Researchers at UC San Francisco and Imperial College London | Psilocybin augments connections between different brain regions in individuals with depression, potentially aiding them in overcoming excessive self-focus and rumination. |
| A randomized, double-blind study by John Hopkins University | High doses of psilocybin significantly decreased depression, anxiety, and death-related anxiety, while improving life quality, sense of life’s meaning, and optimism. |
| Clinical trial from New York University | Between 60% and 80% of participants experienced reduced anxiety and depression after undergoing psilocybin therapy, which led to a reduction in existential distress. Furthermore, the study found a correlation between the therapeutic effects and the psychedelic experience induced by psilocybin. |
Study in a Clinical Setting
Researchers from the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences conducted 2 studies involving 60 participants who underwent fMRI brain scans to corroborate this finding.
Methodology
- First Study: Psilocybin was administered to all participants, who were diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression.
- Second Study: Participants with milder depression did not know if they received psilocybin or a placebo antidepressant (escitalopram). All participants received the same psychotherapy.
Scans were conducted before and after the treatment to measure the effects.
Results
- Psilocybin treatment reduced connections within brain areas associated with depression, including the default mode, salience, and executive networks. Additionally, it enhanced connections to less integrated brain regions.
- It decreased the effects of emotional avoidance and significantly improved cognitive functioning.
The psilocybin-induced brain rewiring effects persisted for up to three weeks after the second dose. This suggests that psilocybin could be an alternative treatment for depression by restructuring the brain and reducing ingrained negative thought processes related to the condition. This evidence suggests that psilocybin works differently than traditional antidepressants.
Psilocybin Therapy as a Potential Treatment Method
Psilocybin therapy involves the controlled use of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting, often accompanied by psychological support. This approach is garnering recognition for its potential to treat depression resistant to conventional treatments, anxiety, and existential distress in terminally ill patients.
A recent survey conducted by researchers from Université Laval’s Faculty of Pharmacy, McGill University, Université de Montréal, and UQAR aimed to gauge public opinion on the medical use of psilocybin for end-of-life care. According to the survey published in Palliative Medicine, nearly 4 One in every five Canadians supports the use of psilocybin to help mitigate existential distress at the end of life.
The leading researcher, Michel Dorval, noted that studies have shown that psilocybin, when used alongside psychotherapy, can provide swift, potent, and lasting relief for individuals grappling with advanced cancer. It’s worth highlighting that psilocybin therapy can induce a deep sense of understanding and comfort that may persist for up to six months.
Additionally, the survey indicates that those with experience in palliative care or previous use of psilocybin are more likely to show support. Dorval suggested that personal encounters with end-of-life distress may contribute to this receptivity towards innovative approaches.
Despite prevailing prejudices against psychedelic drugs, the research reveals a growing acceptance of psilocybin therapy in Canada, particularly in palliative and end-of-life care situations. The authors expect that these findings will help improve the accessibility of this pioneering treatment.
Further Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
1. Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Results from a double-blind, randomized trial involving 93 participants, published in JAMA Psychiatry in August 2022, revealed that combining psilocybin with psychotherapy resulted in significantly fewer heavy drinking days over approximately eight months compared to a control group undergoing placebo therapy. The psilocybin group also consumed less alcohol on the days they did drink.
2. Aid in Smoking Cessation
Despite the known difficulty in quitting smoking, a preliminary study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in January 2017, suggested that psilocybin, in conjunction with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helped 10 out of 15 participants maintain their non-smoking status for a year. A subsequent study indicated that the psychedelic experience might assist in reshaping a smoker’s identity, thereby encouraging long-term abstinence.
3. Potential Treatment for Anorexia
New research indicates that psilocybin may be helpful for those struggling with anorexia. An initial study published in Biological Psychiatry in May 2022 revealed significant reductions in eating disorder and anxiety symptoms in adults with anorexia who underwent psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.
4. Alleviating End-of-Life Anxiety
End of Life
Many individuals with terminal illnesses suffer from anxiety and depression. Psilocybin therapy shows promising potential in alleviating these symptoms. Studies have reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression among patients with life-threatening cancer who have undergone psilocybin therapy.
What to Expect from Psilocybin Therapy?
Psilocybin therapy can potentially offer powerful therapeutic effects swiftly, providing enduring benefits. Each session is customized to cater to individual needs, adhering to specific clinical or trial norms.
| Phase | Description | Duration |
| Prior | The initial sessions revolve around discussing any worries and treatment goals with a facilitator, aiming to build a robust relationship and a secure environment. | 1 to 6 hours |
| During | The participant takes a dose of psilocybin in a comforting setting, reclining, with an eye mask, listening to a pre-selected playlist, and in the company of a therapist. | 5 to 8 hours |
| Subsequent | Follow-up sessions offer a platform to reflect on the experience with the therapist, aiding in integrating the insights into daily life. | Several sessions over a period of hours |
Guidelines for Pursuing Psilocybin Therapy
- Explore clinics where psilocybin is legal, and consider joining a waiting list if necessary.
- Select a clinic that administers psilocybin treatment under the supervision of a therapist or a professional guide to enhance the therapeutic experience.
- Interrogate potential therapists about their credentials, experience, therapeutic approaches, and expertise in handling mental health disorders.
- Be open about your genuine motives for seeking treatment, mental health status, medical history, and family mental health background.
- Opt for therapists who specialize in your specific mental health condition and turn to organizations such as the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association (PATA) for guidance and training.
- Offer an exhaustive disclosure of your medical and mental health history, especially if there is a family history of schizophrenia or psychosis.
- Discuss your choice to undertake psilocybin therapy with your current mental health provider and inquire if they are open to collaborating with your psilocybin therapy team.
- Discuss the dosage, protocol, and the necessity to initiate
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from psilocybin therapy?
Psilocybin therapy might be beneficial if you are dealing with depression, anorexia, alcohol addiction, trying to quit smoking, or coping with a terminal illness.
However, if you have a history or family history of schizophrenia or psychosis, hallucinogens like psilocybin could exacerbate your symptoms. Likewise, people with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are usually advised against it.
What’s the standard dosage for psilocybin therapy?
The dosage varies. It typically starts with lower doses in a therapeutic context and adjusts according to individual responses. Clinical research has shown that a single 25-milligram dose of synthetic psilocybin, combined with psychological support, resulted in reduced depression scores in cases of treatment-resistant depression.
Can psilocybin be used to treat PTSD?
The research in this area is rapidly progressing. However, more advanced studies have been conducted on MDMA, a non-traditional psychedelic with stimulant properties, used alongside psychotherapy for PTSD treatment. Research on this substance has reached phase 3 clinical trials, and it is expected that MDMA could be approved for PTSD treatment this year.
